Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 25-year-old Joanna Gollnau of Buffalo has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Diane Wray on one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class “D” felony, and one count of Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the defendant recklessly drove a pickup truck through Niagara Square during a demonstration in front of City Hall. She is accused of hitting a woman who was seated on a bicycle. The bicyclist was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Gollnau is scheduled to return on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. She was released on her own recognizance.

If convicted on all charges, Gollnau faces a maximum of 7 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.  

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the DA’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.